/ ˈfʌŋkʃn; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C , U ] a special activity or purpose of a person or thing :
to fulfil / perform a function
bodily functions (= for example eating, sex, using the toilet)
The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.
This design aims for harmony of form and function.
2.
[ C ] a social event or official ceremony :
The hall provided a venue for weddings and other functions.
3.
[ C ] ( mathematics ) a quantity whose value depends on the varying values of others. In the statement 2x=y, y is a function of x :
( figurative )
Salary is a function of age and experience.
4.
[ C ] ( computing ) a part of a program, etc. that performs a basic operation
■ verb
[often + adv. / prep. ] to work in the correct way
SYN operate :
Despite the power cuts, the hospital continued to function normally.
We now have a functioning shower.
Many children can't function effectively in large classes.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- function as sb/sth
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from French fonction , from Latin functio(n-) , from fungi perform.